Fluttershy Episodes I Would Like To See · 10:38pm May 6th, 2017
I decided to start a series where I talk about character episodes I would like to see in the show. I figured that I would kick things off by talking about Fluttershy because she tends to be one of those characters who the show writers never quite seem to know how to handle. Sometimes she is too shy. Other times she comes off as bossy and uncompromising. These character traits fluctuate from episode to episode as the writers decide to squeeze these personality traits into an episode (whether they fit with the specific scenario or not). Another character who is quite often the victim of this is Pinkie Pie (who happens to be one of my favorite characters in the show, besides the non-pony characters). But I will cover my thoughts on Pinkie Pie episodes and the direction they should take in another post.
Now that Fluttershy has more or less graduated from being too shy to interact with other ponies or leave the house, it makes sense that the writers should focus more on her interests and specific goals for each episode. This will help to battle the repetitiveness of her episodes where she is an introvert as the story calls for it or so outspoken that she comes off as being spoiled or insensitive.
Some great Fluttershy episodes could focus on her facing challenges where she has to preserve habitats for animals, rescue animals from polluted or unstable environments, save animals from evil masters/ handlers, and help to document, research, and preserve rare creatures (since she is part of the the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures, after all).
These episode topics would give Fluttershy a chance to introduce the audience to more interesting creatures and animals across the world of Equestria. It would also send a good message to kids about the values of rescuing animals, protecting the environment, and learning about the place that animals have in the greater scheme of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
It seems like a lot of great potential for Fluttershy's character is wasted because the show writers insist on focusing on her character flaws (or over highlighting her progress as a character) rather than giving her interesting things to do, related to her field of working with animals. Making episodes which focus more on how she is helping to preserve and rescue animals would give the show writers a lot of topics to work with. especially if they started having her help rare or mythological creatures that the viewers have never seen before.
These are just some of my thoughts on how the show can continue to make good Fluttershy episodes without falling into many of the repetitive story-telling patterns they have before. But what are some of you thoughts? I am curious to know. Feel free to share any thoughts or ideas you have on this topic in the comment section.
Actually I would rather say that Applejack is the best example of main character that writers have no idea what to do with. When it comes to her own episodes that is. Pinkie at least benefits from having in my humble opinion best personal episodes as we see for a moment that she is a real person.
But anyway that is for some later blog, now it Flutters time.
...ok so you were mean and have said most of things that could have been said. All I can say is that from this point show can only go up when it comes to Flutters as she is done with shy/fear related episodes. Now the last episode was her dealing with animals like she should have been seasons ago. But it fell flat as she didn't learn any lesson and there was no big conflict to overcome.
To be hones t I am surprised she doesn't get more relations with AJ besides the Bats episode. I mean you would think farmer and animal caretaker could have common grounds more. Like AJ could take Flutters to some rodeo or something.
4522807 I agree that Applejack is another character that the writers don't really know how to portray in an episode. Yet Applejack does, more often than not, end up having some of the most interesting episodes (Like Bats, The Last Roundup, Pinkie Apple Pie, and the list could go on).
The show has always seemed to put a lot of its characterization focus on Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle. This might be because they are the most popular with their intended audience (young girls) so they put the most effort into developing them.
On the other hand, the writers tend to stick Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack into more of supporting roles. It's a shame because all three have a lot to offer the show if the writers would be willing to think about what makes each character unique and really utilize these traits to their fullest potential.
It would be great if we could see episodes where Fluttershy helped her friends with an animal problem (such as in Bats!) or even had a map episode which focused on her helping animals in one form or another. It would fit in with the purpose of the map, since it sends the mane six to fix elements of the world that are out of harmony.
4522820 The thing is in those episodes you mention is that Applejack was either support character or had to share spotlight. She is incapable of having her own episodes that weren't in first season. But let's save AJ and Pinkie Pie for later.
Fluttershy only got so far two episodes where she had to face a problem related to animals which is honestly mind blowing. But worries me more is that I kinda didn't like either of those two episodes. Bats was only resolved because threat shifted from animals to sudden vampirism and because AJ has the largest orchard in existence and has luxury to cripple her own harvest and still have enough. It was an amusing episode and I liked the song but it didn't click for me.
And the latest episode I won't mention in case you didn't watch yet.
I suppose we could be witty and count Discord reformation also animal caring episode and that one I did like.
So I think the authors are unsure how to deal with animal or environment episode without being preachy or failing to be engaging. Which is weird as Equestria is a fantasy land where nature is broken and needs ponies to keep it running.
Perhaps also the problem lies that Fluttershy lacks a foil or any character to to interact with her. I mean Twilight has Spike, Rarity and Dash can bounce from pretty much anyone, AJ has her family and Pinkie risks not existing if she isn't interacting. Fluttershy only has Angel even though you would think they could drag Discord out or find the basement where Treehuger is making her pot. Or have Fluttershy and Dash but switch roles for a change, as it is always Fluttershy who either helps Dash or has to overcome fear in order to help Dash.
You know now that I think about it, Fluttershy should really have an episode where she actually is friend with one of mane six. And no, forced Friendship Map Mission do not count. Sometimes I wonder why they are friends besides because that one time they accidentally stopped Luna during her teenage rebellion phase.
4522886 It would be nice to see Fluttershy interact with some of the other mane six characters more often for a reason that isn't map related. What I liked about the latest Fluttershy episode was that it showed the mane six supporting Fluttershy's dreams and helping her reach her goals in any way they could. I would love to see more episodes like that.
I agree with this completely.
4522923 Yay! I am glad that you do. :)
Yeah, it is a complete waste. Just like 4522886 said, AJ is victim of this. Not to mention, the fact that they are seemingly writing flaws that the Mane 6 they didn't have before.
4522996 I think the flaws of all of the characters have been pretty consistent throughout the show. They just surface in different ways, depending on the episode.